Russell Township is a community 20 miles east of the "new" vibrant City of Cleveland. It is a place with excellent schools, libraries and services where young couples are starting families and where more mature couples are enjoying the peace and serenity of rolling wooded hills. There is a history that reaches back to the first family to settle here, the Gideon Russell family in 1818. They built their home on Chillicothe Road just south of the town center. The area, known as West Woods, was renamed after the family name in 1827, and was the last township to be formed in Geauga County.The population has grown from 805 in 1870 to its current size of 5,614. Not only is there history here, there is an eye towards the future as well. Russell Township is a community with long term plans for land usage that reflect a general desire to preserve & protect the natural environment that exists. With a preserved environment and state of the art services that include Police and an ISO Rated "5" Fire Department, Road & Zoning Departments and a Township Park Commission, all of which are tax supported, residents are assured of a safe and well managed community. Russell will maintain its place as a "gem" of a place to live for many years to come.